Position SUL: like/dislike, useful/fad?

This is a discussion on Position SUL: like/dislike, useful/fad? within the Defensive Carry & Tactical Training forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; Originally Posted by rick21
Gabe Suarez addresses the problems of trapping and disarming when using Sul in both his classes and DVD "Advanced Close Range ...

Gabe Suarez addresses the problems of trapping and disarming when using Sul in both his classes and DVD "Advanced Close Range Gunfighting". There are counters for counters for counters in any CQB skill set. The problem comes when we only learn part of it.

Exactly... I prefer the "SENTRY POSITION" myself, but BOTH have their place. It's not an "either or" proposition IMO.

When scanning 360° in the SUL position, it is inevitable that the weapon’s
muzzle will point at the shooter’s feet if the feet remain stationary. To keep this
from occurring, it is necessary for the shooter to step while turning, rather than
simply turning at the torso.

Forgive me for I am very much a layman when it comes to Sul vs "sentry", but from the outside looking in these 2 positions aren't designed to do the same thing, so I wouldn't compare them on a better to not better scale.

From a common sense point of view Sul, to me would be used while scanning or doing some other administration with no actual visual threat as a means of muzzle control. If I have a threat I will be in low ready, on target or if he's right on top of me my gun close at my side pointing at the threat right above my holster, so I'm not so concerned about retention issues.

Looking at the picture of "sentry" anyone to the officers direct left within 10 feet is getting muzzled.

Edit: DRM, I reread your posts and you do say both have their place so disregard my argument.

"Sentry" and "Sul" are situational, and I would add in a situation where "Sentry" is best, with the support hand properly trapping the trigger finger,anyone feeling they were in danger would be frightened by an untended weapon.
D.R. when I made my post I had your book open to pg 140 of your book, as I post this I moved it on my desk and it fell open to pg 76. Damn your ugly! and thank you for your contributions.
Sometimes ,some situations, your just gonna get muzzled. How it's done is whats important.

I am a fan of position SUL. I first learned from Steve Fisher from Magpul (when I took his class a few years ago he was with Michigan Defensive Firearm Institute). Some label it as a ready position such as Gabe and other label it as a safe position such as Dave Spaulding. Regardless, if I am not in a high compressed postion (or count 3 of a four count draw stroke) I prefer being in position SUL. I like how easy it is to transition to retention or the high compressed. I like the idea how it is close to my body if in a crowded area and can be wrapped up quickly with my off hand. Which brings me to another experience I had at a different school.

I also learned a variation of the SUL and Sentry position from an instructor at Ranger Firearm Instruction (local school here in Michigan) during a few sessions of private instruction. The instructor keeps the muzzle pointed down at the ground in the same manner and he places his hand over the firearm with his offhand similar to position sentry. While I don't train to often in this position I do like the idea of already having my hand on top of the firearm just in case.